Bermuda aren't just going to the ICC World Cup qualifiers in South Africa next month to qualify for the World Cup in 2011, they're going with the aim of winning the whole tournament.

And batsman Stephen Outerbridge believes the side's skill level has improved to such an extent that winning is a realistic possibility.

A top four finish will be enough to secure a spot at the 2011 tournament, and Outerbridge believes the Bermuda squad's blend of youth and experience willstand them in good stead.

"We have agreed amongst ourselves that we are going to South Africa to win the tournament," he said.

"Some may say that is a bit ambitious, but as a team we have gelled a lot. Fitness levels are constantly on the rise and I think the skill levels have definitely improved over the last few years.

"The hard work players have put in are starting to show in the results."

"The squad have a good balance. It has a bit of youth and experience, so I think it bodes well for the immediate future as well as the long term.

"It shows that we aren't over obsessive with the younger players and that we can all get along."

If Bermuda are to qualify for 2011, they need to first get out of the group stages and tricky games against Kenya, the Netherlands, and surprise package Afgahnistan.

And while that is Outerbridge's immediate goal, he wants to aim a little higher.

"As far as myself, I would like to get the team to the Super 8's, and then from there aim for a top four spot. But I haven't sat down and thought about what goals I want to set personally.

"I really want to make sure we win matches, that is the biggest issue. But once we get there I can take a look around at the conditions, see how I feel and go from there."

Outerbridge's tour of the Caribbean was cut short by his school commitments, and when he finishes in South Africa he will return for the new season at the University Centre of Cricketing Excellence in Cardiff.

"My season hasn't started just yet, but I am active. We are doing our fitness and so forth for when the season starts in April."

n Bermuda will take on Namibia in an official World Cup qualifying warm-up match March 28 at Willowmoore Park B, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced yesterday.

World cricket's governing body also announced that Bermuda's April 2 match with ICC Affiliates Afghanistan has been moved from Witrand to Potchefstroom Cricket Ground following revisions to the original schedule.

The pitch at Witrand is no longer being used and four Group B matches that had originally been scheduled at the ground will now be shared between Potchefstroom Cricket Ground, the Potchefstroom University ground and the Isak Steyl ground owned by Vaal University.

The ICC World Cup qualifiers will be held April 1-19 in South Africa where Bermuda will attempt to requalify for world cricket's premier showpiece.

Bermuda are in the same group as 2003 World Cup semi-finalist Kenya, the Netherlands, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Denmark and Afghanistan.

Gus Logie's men will begin their World Cup campaign on April 1 when they take on UAE at Potchefstroom University.